The Group of Seven (G7) leaders have urged Libya to organise presidential elections by the end of this year, in collaboration with the African Union (AU), Arab League (AL) and United Nations (UN). According to a communique issued at the conclusion of talks in Hiroshima, the G7 called on all Libyan stakeholders to work together constructively on the political process. The communique covered a range of topics, including democratic norms, security concerns in Africa, food security, climate change, China, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The G7 pledged to work with African-led initiatives to promote peace, stability, and prosperity on the continent, especially in regions like West Africa, the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes. The G7 also raised concerns about the activities of the March 23rd Movement armed group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and called on them to withdraw from all territories under their control. Additionally, the group has expressed concern about the renewed conflict in Sudan.
Regarding Tunisia, the G7 leaders have called on President Kais Saied to come to an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)to tackle the economic crisis in the North African country. The group also stated that they have exceeded last year’s commitment of $14 billion towards global food security but will continue to offer assistance due to the extraordinary needs in areas such as the Horn of Africa. The G7 has also affirmed its intention to maintain the G20 Compact with Africa, which was launched under German leadership in 2017, as a crucial framework for improving the business environment.
Leaders from the G7 agreed on Saturday to launch a new initiative to counter “economic coercion” and vowed to challenge China’s “malign” practices. A statement about the plan to tackle coercion and protect the economies of the group and its allies did not name China or any other country.
